Breast feeding aid and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A breast feeding aid for retaining a shirt up above the breast during feeding includes a strap having a first end and second; a shirt anchor operatively coupled to the first end of the strap, and a shirt attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the second end of the strap. During use, the breast feeding aid is attached to the lower edge of the user&#39;s shirt. The breast feeding aid is then pulled upward and over the shoulder of the user so that the shirt anchor rests on the user&#39;s back. This pulls and retains the shirt up above the breast during feeding.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/139,949, entitled “Breast Feeding Aid and Method of Using the Same,” which was filed on Dec. 22, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a breast feeding aid and methods of using the same, and more particularly, to a breast feeding aid that retains a user's shirt up away from the breast during feeding and methods for using the same.

BACKGROUND

In general, while breast feeding a child, a woman is required to hold her shirt or blouse up away from her breast. A woman typically uses one of her hands to hold the shirt up away from the breast, which can make it difficult to securely hold and position the child for feeding. In some cases a woman may contort her neck to use her head to retain her shirt in the necessary position, which can make breast feeding uncomfortable.

Additionally, to discretely breast feed a child in public, many women will use a blanket or other draping for privacy. It is difficult to simultaneously balance the blanket and retain both the blanket and the shirt in the proper position, all while securely holding the child in place for feeding. This again can make discretely breast feeding very difficult and uncomfortable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A breast feeding aid includes a strap having a first end and second end, a shirt anchor operatively coupled to the first end of the strap, and a shirt attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the second end of the strap. In one embodiment, the strap further includes a blanket attachment mechanism.

Additionally, a method of using a breast feeding aid includes providing a breast feeding aid having a strap having a first end and a second end, a shirt anchor operatively coupled to the first end, and a shirt attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the second end; attaching the shirt attachment mechanism to a lower edge of a user's shirt; and placing the shirt anchor over a shoulder of the user to pull and hold the user's shirt up and away from the breast. In one embodiment, the breasting feeding aid further includes attaching a blanket to the strap and covering the breast with the blanket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breast feeding aid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breast feeding aid and blanket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shirt anchor of the breast feeding aid of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-4D are schematics illustrating a method of using the breast feeding aid of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a breast feeding aid 10 includes a strap 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16, a shirt anchor 18 operatively coupled to the first end 14, and a shirt attachment mechanism 20 operatively coupled to the second end 16. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, during use, the shirt attachment mechanism 20 is attached to a user's shirt, and the shirt anchor 18 is placed over the user's shoulder such that the shirt anchor 18 rests on the user's back. The breast feeding aid 10 pulls and maintains the lower end of the shirt above the breast while the user is breast feeding.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the strap 12 operatively connects the shirt attachment mechanism 20 to the shirt anchor 18. The strap 12 has a length, illustrated in FIG. 1 as L, and a width, illustrated in FIG. 1 as W. Preferably, the strap 12 has a length in a range of about 5 to about 15 inches, and more preferably, the strap 12 is about 8 inches long. Other suitable lengths include, but are not limited to, about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 inches. The strap 12 can also be, for example, an adjustable strap 12 that adjusts to varying lengths in a range, for example, of 5 to 15 inches. To allow for adjustment of the length L of the strap 12, the strap 12 can further include an adjustment clip 13 disposed on the strap 12. In one embodiment, the strap 12 has a width in a range, for example, of about ½ to about 10 inches, about ½ to about 5 inches, about ¾ to about 4 inches, and about 1 to about 3 inches. Preferably, the strap 12 is about one inch wide. The strap 12 can have any suitable cross section. For example, the strap 12 can have a rectangular or circular cross section.

The strap 12 can be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the strap 12 is formed from a cloth material, such as ribbon. The strap 12 can include, for example, designs and/or colors that are aesthetically pleasing to the user. The strap 12 can be a single unitary portion. Alternatively, the strap 12 can include multiple portions that are operatively coupled. For example, the strap 12 can include first, second, and third portions that are removably coupled to one another to form the strap 12. The length of the strap 12 may be adjusted by removal of one of the first, second, or third portions. The multiple portions of the strap 12 can be removably coupled using any known methods or fasteners. For example, the multiple portions can be sown, glued, Velcro-ed, pinned, buttoned, snapped together, tied together, or any combinations thereof to form the strap 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 12 can further include a blanket attachment mechanism 22. The blanket attachment mechanism 22 allows a blanket 32 to be removably attached to the breast feeding aid 10 to provide privacy for the user. The blanket attachment mechanism 22 retains the blanket 32 in a suitable position for privacy so that the user can have both hands free for positioning and holding the baby during breast feeding. Preferably, the blanket attachment mechanism 22 is positioned on the strap 12, such that when the breast feeding aid 10 is in use, the blanket attachment mechanism 22 is disposed near the user's shoulder. Preferably, the blanket attachment mechanism 22 is positioned on the strap 12, such that the blanket 32 is disposed near the front of the user's shoulder when in use to make attachment mechanism and removal of the blanket 32 easier for the user. For example, the blanket attachment mechanism 22 can be positioned at substantially the center of the strap 12. The blanket attachment mechanism 22 can be any known fastener. Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, clips, such as suspender clips, alligator clips, and magnetic clips; buttons; snaps; ties; Velcro; pins, clasps, hooks, adhesives, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the blanket 32 can be permanently attached to the strap 12 using any known methods. For example, the blanket 32 can be sown onto the strap 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, the breast feeding aid 10 is illustrated with a blanket 32 having a breast feeding aid attachment mechanism 34 that removably attaches to the blanket attachment mechanism 22. The breast feeding aid attachment mechanism 34 can be any known fastener. For example, the breast feeding aid attachment mechanism 34 can be a hook and the blanket attachment mechanism 22 can be an eye. The breast feeding aid attachment mechanism 34 can also be, for example, a button hole that receives a blanket attachment mechanism 22 that is button. The breast feeding aid attachment mechanism 34 can also include a snap or Velcro attachment, and the blanket attachment mechanism 22 can include the complementary portion of the snap or Velcro attachment. Additionally, any combinations of fasteners can be used.

The first end 14 of the strap 12 may be operatively coupled to the shirt anchor 18 using any known methods. For example, the first end 14 can be sown to an edge of the shirt anchor 18. The first end 14 of the strap can also be attached to the shirt anchor 18 using, for example, adhesive. Preferably, an edge of the shirt anchor 18 has a slot for receiving the first end 14 of the strap 12. The first end 14 of the strap 12 can be passed through the slot, folded over onto the strap 12, and attached to a portion of the strap 12 using known methods. For example, the first end 14 can be sown onto a portion of the strap 12.

The shirt anchor 18 must have sufficient weight to retain the shirt or other article of clothing up above the breast during feeding. To retain a typical shirt up above the breast, the shirt anchor 18 may have a weight in a range of about ¼ ounce (oz) to 10 oz, about ½ oz to about 8 oz, about 1 oz to about 5 oz, and about ¼ oz to about 2 oz. Preferably, the shirt anchor 18 is about ½ oz.

Referring to FIG. 3, the shirt anchor 18 may include a housing 24 having an internal pocket and a mass 26 that is sized to fit within the internal pocket of the housing 24. The shirt anchor 18 can be formed, for example, by placing the mass 26 within the housing 24 and securing the mass 26 within the housing 24 using any known methods. For example, the mass 26 can be placed within the housing 24 and then a perimeter of the housing 24 can be sown closed. Alternatively, the housing 24 can be closed using adhesive, Velcro, snaps, ties, buttons, and other known attachments. The closed perimeter of the housing 24 defines the internal pocket.

The housing 24 can protect the mass 26 from being damaged, and also can enhance the comfort of the breast feeding aid 10 by providing the shirt anchor 18 with a softer, more cushioned exterior surface to lay against the user's back. The housing 24 can be formed, for example, from fabric. Preferably, the housing 24 is formed from a soft fabric, for example, felt. The housing 24 can be formed, for example, by coupling together two pieces of fabric, defining upper and lower portions of the housing 24, along a perimeter to form the internal pocket. A portion of the housing 24 perimeter can remain open to allow for placement of the mass 26 within the internal pocket. The remaining portion of the perimeter can then be closed to form the shirt anchor 18. The housing 24 can be any suitable shape and size. For example, the housing 24 can be circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or octagonal. For example, the housing 24 can have a length in a range of about 1 inch to 10 inches, and a width, for example, in a range of 1 to 10 inches. Other suitable ranges for the length and/or the width include about 2 inches to about 8 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, and about 1 inch to about 3 inches. Preferably, the housing 24 is rectangle having a length of about 2 inches and a width of about 1¾ inches. The mass 26 is suitably sized to fit in this housing 24 and can be, for example, a square having a length and a width of about 1⅛ inches. The housing 24 can be operatively coupled to the first end 14 of the strap 12 using any known methods or fasteners. For example, the housing 24 can further include a slot 28 disposed near an edge of the housing 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 14 of the strap 12 can be passed through the slot 28 of the housing 24, folded over, and attached to a portion of the strap 12 using any known methods. For example, the first end 14 of the strap 12 can be sown onto the strap 12.

The mass 26 preferably has a weight in a range of about ¼ oz to 10 oz, about ½ oz to about 8 oz, about 1 oz to about 5 oz, and about ¼ oz to about 2 oz. The mass 26 can be formed of any suitable material. For example, the mass 26 can be formed of metal or plastic. The mass 26 is sized to fit within the housing 24, and can have any suitable shape. Preferably, the mass 26 has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the housing 24.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a shirt attachment mechanism 20 is operatively coupled to the second end 16 of the strap 12. During use, the shirt attachment mechanism 20 is attached to the user's shirt so that when the shirt anchor 18 is pulled over the user's shoulder the shirt attachment mechanism 20 remains attached to the shirt, pulling the shirt upward away from the breast. The shirt attachment mechanism 20 can be operatively coupled to the second end 16 of the strap 12 using any known methods. For example, the shirt attachment mechanism 20 can be sown onto the second end 16 of the strap 12. The shirt attachment mechanism 20 can also be operatively coupled to the strap 12 using an intermediate attachment ring 30. The intermediate attachment ring 30 can be a triangular, circular, or rectangular ring. The intermediate attachment ring 30 and the second end 16 can be operatively coupled using any known methods. For example, the second end 16 can be passed through the ring 30 and folded back onto and attached to the strap 12. The second end 16 can be, for example, sown onto the strap 12. Any other suitable means for securing the second end 16 around the intermediate attachment ring 30 can be used.

The shirt attachment mechanism 20 can be any type of known fastener. Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, clips, such as suspender clips, alligator clips, and magnetic clips, buttons, snaps, ties, Velcro, pins, clasps, hooks, adhesive, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 4A, during use, the breast feeding aid 10 is attached to the user's shirt using the shirt attachment mechanism 20. Preferably, the shirt attachment mechanism 20 is attached to an edge of the user's shirt and is aligned with the breast to be exposed for feeding. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the breast feeding aid 10 is then pulled upward and over the user's shoulder so that the shirt anchor 18 rests against the user's back. In this position the breast feeding aid 10 retains the shirt up away from the breast. Thus, the user has both hands free for positioning and holding the child.

Referring to FIG. 4D, the method of using the breast feeding aid 10 can further include attaching a blanket 32 to the blanket attachment mechanism 22. The blanket 32 can be attached, for example, after the shirt anchor 18 has been placed over the user's shoulder. The blanket 32 can then be positioned to cover the exposed breast. The blanket 32 can also be attached, for example, before the shirt anchor 18 has been placed over the user's shoulder.

Although the forgoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention because describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

Thus, many modifications and variations may be made in the techniques and structures described and illustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the methods and apparatus described herein are illustrative only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention. 

1. A breast feeding aid, comprising: a strap including first and second ends; a shirt anchor operatively coupled to the first end of the strap; and, a shirt attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the second end of the strap.
 2. The breast feeding aid of claim of 1, wherein the strap has a length in a range of 5 to 15 inches.
 3. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap is about 8 inches long.
 4. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap has a width in a range of ½ inch to 5 inches.
 5. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap is an adjustable strap comprising an adjustment clip.
 6. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap is an adjustable strap comprising at least a first portion, a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, and a third portion removably coupled to one of the first or second portions.
 7. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap further comprises an adjustment strap to allow for adjustment of the length of the strap.
 8. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises at least a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion using adhesive.
 9. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, further comprising a blanket attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the strap.
 10. The breast feeding aid of claim 9, wherein the blanket attachment mechanism is disposed at substantially the center of the strap.
 11. The breast feeding aid of claim 9, wherein the blanket attachment mechanism is disposed adjacent to the shirt anchor.
 12. The breast feeding aid of claim 9, further comprising a blanket having a breast feeding aid attachment mechanism removably attached to the blanket attachment mechanism.
 13. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the shirt anchor has a weight in a range of ¼ ounce to 10 ounce.
 14. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the shirt anchor comprises a slot for receiving the first end of the strap.
 15. The breast feeding aid of claim 14, wherein the first end of the strap is operatively coupled to shirt anchor by passing the first end through the slot and attaching the first end to a portion of the strap.
 16. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, wherein the shirt anchor comprises: a mass; and, a housing comprising an internal pocket for receiving the mass.
 17. The breast feeding aid of claim 16, wherein the housing comprises a slot for receiving the first end of the strap.
 18. The breast feeding aid of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate attachment ring for attaching the second end of the strap to the shirt attachment mechanism.
 19. A method of using a breast feeding aid for retaining a shirt of a user up above a breast of the user, the method comprising: providing a breast feeding aid comprising a strap having first and second ends, a shirt anchor operatively coupled to the first end, and a shirt attachment mechanism operatively coupled to the second end; attaching the shirt attachment mechanism to a shirt; and, placing the shirt anchor over a shoulder of the user to retain the shirt up above the breast.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching a blanket to the strap and covering the breast with the blanket. 